ADIDAS is counting on the World Cup and the revival of its Reebok brand to return to growth this year after posting a weak finish to 2009.
The German sportswear company suffered a 64 per cent drop in net income in the last three months of 2009 from a year earlier.
The company said yesterday its fourth quarter net income was €19m (£17m), down from €54m in 2008.
With 98 days to go until the tournament in South Africa kicks-off the sports retailer said it expects 2010 net profit to rise.
Adidas is providing the official World Cup ball and is hoping the competition will see a flurry of sales of goods to football fans.
Adidas also recorded €33m of write-downs on Chinese distribution rights of its subsidiary Reebok and on its stores.
